Hyperpigmentation is a common sign of aging among Asian individuals

 

In certain individuals, the signs of aging show on the face in the form of fine lines around the eyes or a less-than-defined jawline. But for women with ethnic skin, physical manifestations of getting older sometimes appear as hyperpigmentation, which is a discoloration of dark complexions.

Cosmetic dermatologist Jessica Wu recently told Skin and Allergy News that the patchy spots are a common sign of aging in individuals of Asian descent.

"Asian patients are more likely to seek help with pigmentation than wrinkles, so [dermatologists] should become familiar with hyperpigmentation disorders," said Wu, quoted by the news source.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that hyperpigmentation is the result of excess amounts of melanin in the skin. The condition can be caused by a number of factors, including sun exposure and inflammation.

In some cases, foundation or concealer may help blend the complexion. The NIH also recommends creams, such as Asian skin care products or fade creams for black skin, in order to minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

It's important to note that products containing hydroquinone are potentially carcinogenic and have been associated with unsightly skin conditions.

Beauty tips before an office presentation

 

Before heading into a big meeting, do you check to make sure your African American skin care product is keeping your complexion flawless? If not, then you may be walking into a room full of people who are more distracted by the lipstick on your teeth than the important business you are talking about.

Recently, Skincare-News.com made some suggestions for things you should do before a big meeting.

First, the news source pointed out that those long days in the office can take a toll on the complexion, since workplaces often have dry air. The night before a major meeting, you may want to moisturize and exfoliate to ensure that your skin is fresh.

Next, the beauty website said that you should remember your nails.

"Polished nails are probably the last thing on a woman's mind as she prepares that last PowerPoint slide, but ragged nails and chipped polish are a faux pas in the professional world. Just as a job interview candidate should come into the office with neat, manicured nails, so should a professional woman during any big event," stated the beauty news source.

Finally, be sure to get a good night's sleep and use makeup to cover any dark circles you have under your eyes. While you want it to be clear in your work that you had many sleepless nights coming up with this presentation, you don't want it to show on your face! 

New York Times explores the new generation of skin lighteners

There was a time when fade cream for black skin was aimed at lightening the complexion overall, resulting in an unnatural appearance, discoloration and lesions due to the harsh chemicals that these African American skin care products contained.

But black skin care products have come a long way. They allow men and women to flaunt their gorgeous complexions while evening out dark spots on black skin and reducing the appearance of scarring.

Recently, the New York Times ran an article about some of these products and how they're being marketed worldwide.

"In Asia, there are a lot of whitening products, and that's what the category is called, which is in reference to the pearl-white skin that they aspire to have. In the U.S., it's different because it's more about evening the complexion, and it's for all ethnicities. We call it brightening. It's not about the color of the skin," said Christine Dagousset, an executive vice president for Chanel cosmetics, quoted by the news source.

In decades past, many skin lightening products for African Americans contained a chemical called hydroquinone. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the chemical is a potential carcinogen and has been linked to a number of skin conditions, including ochronosis, which results in thick, dark patches of skin.

How does Kim Kardashian get her glow? With foundation primer

 

Ever wish your brown skin care products could transform you into Kim Kardashian or one of the many other beautiful celebrities that you see on the covers of magazines and on TV? Well, while your makeup may not put you in the magazines, there are certainly tips and tricks you can take from celebs that may help your skin look camera-ready.

According to The Daily Mail, the secret behind Kardashian's glowing skin is foundation primer. The news source published a picture of the star with yellow primer all over her face. This product is used underneath foundation to help even out the color of your skin.

Oprah Magazine offers some tips for how to apply cosmetic primer.

"A light gel or lotion, primer makes foundation go on more evenly and last longer by creating a smooth base for the pigment to adhere to. Massage a pea-size amount onto your face. Let it absorb before you apply foundation," according to the news source.

The information provider also recommends that if you use a concealer, apply it after primer but before foundation. The news source said this is also a good way to conceal black skin dark spots.